IMLS Program Officer Face-to-face: Information Session of IMLS FY27 NOFO (US West Chapter)

Description

The FY27 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is expected to be released in August, presenting an important opportunity for researchers, practitioners, and institutions seeking support for innovative projects in libraries, archives, museums, and information science. To help the community prepare for this upcoming funding cycle, the ASIS&T U.S. West Chapter has invited Jill Connors-Joyner, the IMLS Senior Program Officer, to deliver an informational webinar. The session will provide an overview of the FY27 funding landscape, application requirements, proposal development strategies, and opportunities for engagement with IMLS priorities. We anticipate that this event will be of significant interest not only to ASIS&T members but also to faculty, librarians, archivists, museum professionals, graduate students, and others across the broader information and cultural heritage communities. The webinar will offer valuable insights for prospective applicants and foster greater awareness of federal funding opportunities that support research, innovation, and community impact.

Jill Connors-Joyner is a Senior Program Officer in the Office of Library Services at the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). Her portfolio includes more than $25 million of IMLS investments in programs that support lifelong learning and community engagement, with a special focus on early learning, programming for youth, informal STEM education, school libraries, and inquiry-based learning. As a senior program officer, she coordinates all stages of the grant management process, including providing technical assistance to potential applicants, managing a two-tiered peer review process, and monitoring funded projects over their lifespan. Before joining the Office of Library Services, she was a Program Officer in the Office of Museum Services where she focused on the Inspire! Grants for Small Museums and the Museums Empowered professional development programs. Prior to joining IMLS, she ran the Museum Assessment Program at the American Alliance of Museums and was a Curator of Exhibitions at a history museum. She has over 25 years of experience in the museum and library fields. She has a BA from McGill University and an MA in American Studies from the George Washington University.